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Library Policies

Circulation


Mission Statement
Our mission is to add quality to people’s lives through promoting literacy and creativity, supporting life-long learning, and building connections in the community.

Access to Materials
The North Webster Community Public Library does not restrict access to any materials in the collections on the basis of a person’s color, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, sex, age, or place of residence. Free access to the total library is essential to full public library service for the whole community.

Some irreplaceable and/or expensive items may be kept in special shelving for security reasons. Arrangements may be made with library staff to view or copy material in compliance with library and copyright policies.

The library adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assures equal access to all library facilities, activities, and programs. Every attempt will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.

Anyone wishing to use materials “in-house” may do so and at no charge.

The library staff must not be expected to act in loco parentis by parents who wish to limit the material accessed by their own minor children. Parents who wish to limit their own children’s materials should accompany the children to the library to supervise the borrowing process. Parents/guardians should not rely on the library staff for such supervision.

Confidentiality of Records
By Indiana law (IC 5-14-3-4(b)(16)(A), all records relating to library patrons and their use of library materials and services are confidential. Library staff members are not authorized to disclose such records to a third party. However, the parent or guardian of an unemancipated minor, age seventeen (17) or under may have access to the records of their child or ward.

The library takes seriously its obligation to protect the privacy of every patron, as required by law. This commitment to patrons’ privacy may cause inconvenience on occasion; however, this is a small price to pay for the assurance that an individual’s reading preferences and use of the library will remain exclusively his or her own business.

The library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records linking the names of library users with specific materials are confidential in nature. No such records shall be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government, or to any individual not specifically authorized by the director, except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.

Borrowers
A borrower may hold only one valid library card at a time and is responsible for all materials checked out on that card. Lost or stolen library cards must be reported to library staff as soon as possible. Patrons are responsible for notifying the library staff of any changes in name, address, phone, email, or legal status.

Borrowers should present their library card when checking out materials. If a borrower does not present a library card, library staff may accept alternate forms of identification.

Tippecanoe Township Residents
An Indiana resident that resides in or pays real property taxes on property owned in the library’s service area (the “library district”) is eligible to receive an Evergreen Indiana library card. Tippecanoe Township residents age 18 or over must show a valid Indiana Driver’s License or Government issued photo ID indicating current address.  A bill or lease may also be used to show current address.

Tippecanoe Township residents under age 18 may obtain a card with a parent or guardian signature on the library card registration. The parent or guardian accompanying the child must show a valid Indiana Driver’s License or Government issued photo ID bearing both name and current address. The guardian or parent who signs the registration is responsible for any overdue, lost, or damaged materials. Children (age 12 and older) must also have parental/guardian permission on file to use the Internet.

Staff of public and non-public schools located wholly or partially within Tippecanoe Township may also obtain a free library card. 

Fee Card
Non-residents who live outside Tippecanoe Township must purchase an annual card that expires one year from date of purchase.  Cost of the card is determined byState law.

Patrons not living in a taxed library district who want to use other Indiana public libraries in addition to the North Webster Public Library must purchase both a fee card and a PLAC card.

Non-residents age 18 or over as listed below must show a valid Indiana Driver’s License or Government issued photo ID indicating current address.  Non-residents under age 18 may obtain a library card with a parent or guardian signature on the library card registration. The parent or guardian accompanying the child must show a valid Indiana Driver’s License or Government issued photo ID bearing both name and current address. The guardian or parent who signs the registration is responsible for any overdue, lost, or damaged materials. Children must also have parental/guardian permission on file to use the Internet.

Limited Access Cards
These are library cards available that limit access to R-rated audiovisual materials.

PLAC
The state of Indiana has instituted a Public Library Access Card (PLAC), which enables card holders to check out materials from any public library in Indiana.  The PLAC fee is determined annually by the Indiana State Library and is valid for one year from date of purchase.

Card Replacement
Lost library cards will be replaced for $2.00.  Once a replacement card is issued, previous library cards are invalid and may no longer be used.

Renewing Cards
In order to keep patron records current, resident borrower cards must be renewed and re-verified every two years and non-resident cards every year.

Loan Periods and Limits
Library materials will circulate for 21 or 7 days.

21 days:

  • Books
  • Music CD’s
  • Books on Tape or CD
  • Magazines

7 days:

  • DVD’s                                   
  • VHS Tapes
  • Book Buddy Kits


Most reference materials and most Local History Collection materials do not circulate.

Due dates for materials are printed on the material at checkout.  A printed receipt of materials with the due date is available upon request. 

Limits on items that may be checked out:
Total number of items:     100 (Includes items from other Evergreen Indiana Libraries)                                                                                                                                                    
DVDs                                   10
VHS Tapes                          10

Homebound
Individuals who are homebound and unable to visit the library may request materials delivered to their home through Outreach Services.

Reserving Materials
All materials at the library are available to all library patrons. Patrons with a valid library card may request any circulating library material that is “on order” or owned by the library.  When the material becomes available, staff will notify the patron. The item will be placed on the hold shelf for seven days from notification. New DVDs will be held for 3 days. Patrons should notify staff if they no longer need a requested item.  System-wide, up to twenty holds may be placed on allowable items from the Evergreen Indiana Libraries.

Renewing Materials
Materials may be renewed in the library at the circulation desk, by telephone, by email, or online from the library website. Most materials can be renewed twice. DVDs are renewable for one week. Materials with holds may not be renewed.

Returning Materials
Patrons are held responsible for any item returned elsewhere, and library staff is not responsible for retrieving any improperly returned material.

Book drops at the entrances to the library are available for convenience in returning library materials during hours when the library is not open. Use of the drops does not cancel overdue fines. Patrons must not leave materials outside the library if the drops are full. Non-library materials left in the drops are considered donations.

Fines and Fees
There is a one day grace period beyond the date that each item is due.   Fines will begin to accrue on the second day beyond the due date at a rate of $.25 per day or portion of a day, per item. 

Loss of Privileges
A patron’s card will be “blocked” from receiving services, if the patron has 15 or more overdue items, or owes $10 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees. Outreach patrons will not be blocked until they have 50 or more items overdue. A patron’s card may be “blocked” if related group or family member cards are “blocked.” A patron may also be “barred” if circumstances warrant.

Lost/Damaged Materials Fees
The library assumes no liability whatsoever for equipment damage that could result from the use of borrowed audiovisual materials.

Borrowers are responsible for reporting damaged materials before check-out or during the loan period. If materials are lost or returned damaged beyond repair, the patron will be charged the replacement cost of the material.  Replacement cost of materials borrowed from interlibrary loan or through other Evergreen libraries will be the replacement cost of the material plus a processing fee of $10.00.

Refunds
No refunds will be given for materials that have been lost and paid for.  Library customers may keep any found materials that have been paid for.

Fax
Fax service is available at the library during library hours.
Charge: $.50/ a page for both incoming and outgoing faxes

Photocopies and Computer Printouts
The library offers photocopying.  Library staff may assist patrons in photocopying materials.  Cost for photocopies is $.10 for B&W copies and $.25 for color; $.15 is charged for double-sided copies.

Payment of fines and fees
Payment of fines and fees must be made with United States currency, money order, or by a personal check made out to “North Webster Community Public Library” for the exact amount owed. Patrons writing checks must produce a valid ID and provide a current telephone number.

Insufficient funds
If a check is returned to the library due to insufficient funds, the library will send a letter notifying the patron of the situation, and a $20 charge will be added to the patron’s account. If the patron has not taken care of the outstanding balance within 10 days, the information will be turned over to the Prosecutor's Office.

Bankruptcy
In accordance with 11 U.S.C. 523 (a) (7), fines and other overdue charges for borrowers who file bankruptcy are not forgiven since the library is a government agency. The borrower must pay all fines and charges down to under $10 before they can use their library card again.

Notices
The library will make a reasonable attempt to notify patrons of overdue material and excessive fines. Customers with current Email addresses will receive the following Email notices:

  • Pre-notice sent 3 days prior to the due date
  • Notice sent on the day the item is due
  • Notice sent 14 days after an item is due
  • Notice sent 28 days after an item is due

Customers who do NOT have an Email address OR do not keep their Email address current in the library’s records will only receive the following notices:

  • Overdue notices will be mailed when the item[s] is 14 days overdue.
  • A second notice will be sent 28 days after the item[s] is due.


Material Requests
Patrons may request or recommend materials for the library collection. The library will decide whether the material is appropriate for the community’s needs.

Holds and Intra-Evergreen Indiana Lending

With the exception of reference and special collections, holds may be placed on most items in any Evergreen Indiana library. Patrons may have up to 20 holds in the system. Patrons have one week after the hold is filled to pick up the item. Patrons have 3 days to pick up a new DVD on hold.  Some member libraries may impose a fee for failure to pick up a hold.
Patrons may place their own holds via the OPAC, and may select their pickup location and notification method. The software will refuse holds requests which do not conform to Evergreen Indiana policies.

My Account
Upon registering for an Evergreen Indiana library card, patrons will be given a PIN, which is required to access a patron’s online account. PINs will only be given in person upon presentation of identification. PINs may not be obtained via telephone or email.

Interlibrary Loan
If an item is not available in an Evergreen library, Library staff will use interlibrary loan to attempt to borrow materials requested by patrons. .Interlibrary loan service is available to library users with valid cards in good standing.

Loan periods, set by the lending library, will vary. Replacement charges will vary according to the lending library.

Revised and adopted 9/17/2014



Computer & Internet Use Policy

  1. You must have a current library card if you live in Tippecanoe Township. You may not have an outstanding fine exceeding $10. This Computer Use Policy must be accepted each time you log onto the library computers.
  2. Guest passes will be issued to non-resident patrons for computer use only.
  3. Patrons below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult or parent when using computers.  Patrons aged 12 -17 must have form signed by parent or legal guardian.
  4. The library management has the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the computers.  Any or all rights to access to computers and\or the library may be suspended or revoked by the North Webster Community Public Library Director or designated supervisor at any time, without prior notice or hearing, for abusive conduct or violation of the conditions of use set forth in this document. Reinstatement of these rights is at the discretion of the library director.
  5. Computers are available for use on a first come, first served basis.
  6. Initial sessions on the computer are limited to 60 minutes per patron.  Time extensions may be permitted if computers are available.   Inform the desk staff when you sign in, if you are working on a project that requires more than 60 minutes.  Reserved time is open for use on a first come, first served basis.
  7. Printing costs:  $.10/page for black & white; $.25 / page for color
  8. The computers’ hard disk drives are for the storage of library software and information.  Please do not save your files there.  Use your own flash drive to save documents.
  9. Software and other data downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus which may be harmful to personal computers. Users are forewarned to use virus-checking software on such downloaded data prior to loading in personal equipment.  The library is not responsible for damages to a user’s software, data or hardware which may occur from use of the library’s computers, Internet Service, or wireless service.
  10. It is prohibited to use library computers to create, view, transmit, print or otherwise distribute pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit or racist materials.
  11. Users agree to anonymous monitoring of their computer use by the library and its personnel to ensure compliance with library policies.
  12. While it is the policy of the library to protect the user’s right to privacy as much as possible, security is technically difficult to achieve.  Electronic communications and files could become public.  Therefore, communication carried on via the Internet should not be considered confidential.
  13. The North Webster Community Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it is providing, that the functions or content of the system will meet any user’s specific requirement or that it will be error-free or trouble-free, current or uninterrupted.  North Webster Community Public Library will not be liable for any direct, incidental or consequential damages including lost data, information or income sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation or inability of use the system.
  14. The North Webster Community Public Library will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature or quality of information stored on its hard drives or servers; nor the accuracy nature or quality of information gathered through library-provided Internet access. The North Webster Community Public Library will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from library-provided access to the Internet.
  15. In consideration for the privilege of using the Internet and for having access to the information contained on the Internet, users hereby release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the North Webster Community Public Library, its trustees, employees and agents.
  16. Access to the computer stations is available during library hours, but users must end their sessions, printing included, fifteen minutes prior to closing.
  17. Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, abuse or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install any software. Anyone found to be abusing computers in any way may forfeit further library computer use.
  18. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files or other resources obtained via the Internet.
  19. Any person who has been fined or whose use has been restricted by the North Webster Community Public Library Director pursuant to this policy may appeal the decision of the Director to the Board of Trustees of the Library

Adopted 3/20/2014             Revised 2/17/2016

Patron Code of Conduct

Welcome to the North Webster Community Public Library. Our goal is to offer the best service possible to library patrons and visitors in an inviting environment. You can help us achieve this by following these rules:

The following are not permitted in the library:

  • Loitering
  • Loud, abusive, or offensive language
  • Disruptive conversation or conduct
  • Inappropriate behavior, which disrupts other library users or staff
  • Inappropriate use of library furniture, equipment or facilities
  • Gambling
  • Any form of sexual misconduct, including exposure, offensive touching or sexual harassment of other patrons or staff or any other sexual activity that is inappropriate in a public place
  • Eating or drinking (other than in designated areas)
  • Unauthorized animals
  • Use of tobacco products
  • Horseplay, running, fighting, or throwing objects
  • Skateboards, skates, or roller blades. All bicycles should be parked in the bike racks while owners are using the library facilities.
  • Any behavior that presents an eminent danger to the life or safety of others.
  • Possession of controlled substance
  • Begging, solicitation, or sales
  • Any illegal behavior
  • Weapons unless authorized by law

Persons under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol are not permitted in the library.

Theft, damage, or destruction of library property is a crime and will be prosecuted.

Shirts and shoes are required to be worn, while in the library.

If a person’s bodily hygiene is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others, they may be asked to leave.

Any person, who poses a health or sanitary risk or a nuisance to other persons, may be asked to leave the premises.

No person, while in the library, shall obtain or attempt to obtain signatures to a petition, conduct surveys or investigations, distribute printed material, solicit or do selling of any kind without the authorization of the library director.

Patrons will be allowed to use the library telephone in cases of emergencies.  Use is at the staff’s discretion.

Due to limited space around the computers, only two persons are permitted at each computer station.

Procedures

In the event that a patron violates any of these rules, a staff member will tell the individual that his/her behavior violates the Patron Code of Conduct, and that it must stop. If the individual continues the behavior, he/she will be asked to leave the library. If the patron refuses, the police will be called to remove the patron from the premises.

A patron may also have their library privileges revoked or suspended by the Library Director for a specific amount of time. In some cases, a violation of the conduct rules may result in legal prosecution.

Preschool children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when in the Children’s Department. Parents or caregivers should not leave young children unattended while using other areas of the library, unless that child is participating in a supervised, scheduled program such as a story time or an after school special. Please review our Children’s policy for additional information.

Adults, who cannot care for themselves independently without the constant attention of a caregiver, may not be left alone in the library at any time and must have adequate supervision from a caregiver at all times.

With everyone’s cooperation to the above policy, the library will continue to be a pleasant environment for our patrons and visitors.

The Board of Trustees of the North Webster Community Public Library reserves the right to change this policy without notice.

Unattended Children

The North Webster Community Public Library is a public place and it cannot be responsible for any consequences of caregivers forfeiting their responsibilities.  Children and their safety are of great concern to us.  We encourage families and youth to use the library, and while doing so, affirm the parents’ and /or caregiver’s responsibility for their child’s safety.  The following policy was developed to maintain a safe environment for our children.

DEFINITION

An unattended child is a child of any age who is apparently unaccompanied by a parent or caregiver.  Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library at any time and must have adequate supervision from a caregiver.

The library acknowledges that the maturity of children at different ages varies.  These rules are subject to the discretion of library staff who may apply them to children other than the ages stated below, if they deem it necessary.

  • Children through the age of six (6) years must have a parent or responsible caregiver in the immediate vicinity (within sight or conversation distance) unless the children are participating in a drop-off library program.
  • Children ages seven to nine (7-9) years must have a parent or responsible caregiver in the building unless the children are participating in a drop-off library program.
  • Minors ten (10) and over may use the library unattended for a period of time appropriate to their age and maturity.
  • When a child participates in a drop-off program, the parent or caregiver must leave a phone number where they can be reached for the duration of the program. Children must be picked up promptly at the end of the program.
  • All children should carry with them the phone number of a parent or responsible caregiver who is to be contacted in case of emergency.

When a child participates in a drop-off program, the parent or caregiver must sign the child in and out of the program.  If arrangements have been made for another person to pick up the child, it should be stated on the sign-in sheet.  Children must be picked up promptly at the end of the program.

In all situations, the parent or caregiver who have transported minor children onto the library premises or who have otherwise directed or allowed minor children onto the library premises shall be responsible for the care and safety of those children at all times that the children are in the library.

If children are not picked up by the time the library closes, parents or caregivers will be contacted and asked to pick up their child.  Library staff persons will wait with a child for 15 minutes, at which point, the North Webster police department will be contacted.

Those responsible for children should know:

If a child is disruptive, ill, or injured:

  • Staff will ask the parent or caregiver, if in the building, to properly supervise their child.
  • Staff will phone the parent or caregiver, if absent from the building, to pick up their child from the library.
  • If the parent or caregiver is not located, a staff member may contact the North Webster Police Department to report cases of unattended children.

The Board’s policy affirms that the library staff does not take the place of the parent, act as caregiver or baby-sitter, nor assume responsibility for the unattended children. In the event that this policy is violated, we regret that we may have to notify the North Webster Police Department.

Come in and share the library with your child. Your consideration for other library users and thought for your child’s safety will help us do our job better for you and the community.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

If an item (book or audio book) requested by a patron is unavailable in our collection, every effort will be made to obtain the item from another library through interlibrary loan.  If budget funds allow, new items that are often not available through interlibrary loan or items that are deemed appropriate for our collection may be ordered and added to our permanent collection.  Procedures for requesting materials through interlibrary loan are listed below.

  1. Patron completes an Interlibrary Loan Request Form (ILL).
  2. A staff member verifies the data and ensures the item is not available in our library.
  3. The order will be given to the staff member responsible for ILL who will order the material requested as soon as possible.
  4. Upon receipt of the item at  NWCPL, the patron will be notified and the ILL librarian will track the item to insure that it is returned to the member library on or before its due date.  Pillow Express will be the delivery system utilized whenever possible.
  5. Patrons will be charged .25 (ten cents) a day for materials that are overdue more than 7 (seven) days.
  6. Patrons will be charged for postage incurred for items that are not deliverable via the Pillow Express delivery system.
  7. Charges for lost or damaged ILL materials are set by the loaning library and will be assessed to the patron accordingly.
  8. A limit of 5 (five) ILL items may be checked out to a patron at any given time.  New items may not be requested until current items have been returned.
  9. Abuse of the ILL system may result in our library losing ILL privileges with other libraries.  Any patron who abuses the ILL system in such a way as to jeopardize NWCPL’s ILL privilege with other libraries will have their own ILL privileges suspended or denied at the discretion of the library director.

Cell Phone & Skype Policy

Many people come to the library to find a quiet place to read and study.  Please respect others’ rights by observing these guidelines for cell phone and Skype use in the library.

  • Cell phones should be turned off or set to “vibrate” when entering the library.
  • All cell phone usage in the Library should be kept to a minimum.
  • If you need to place a call while working at a computer please respect others by keeping conversations at low levels and as short in duration as possible.
  • Please move extended conversations outside the library.
  • Skype or other “voice calls over the internet” is permitted only in the conference or program rooms, when they are available.

Refusal to comply with this policy or its intent will result in the patron being asked to leave the library.

Updated 8/15/2012